What the Yankees are to MLB and the Lakers are to the NBA, LA Galaxy have become to MLS. Like it or not, the Galaxy are the big club in this league. It’s always a big occasion when the Galaxy come to town – every match in Vancouver has sold out.

With the two team’s playing the second match of a home-and-home series, this weekend’s contest will be that much more intense. Robbie Keane gave LA a 1-0 victory in the first game, but this time the California crew must come to BC Place. Will you be there for one of the must-see matches of 2014?

Whitecaps FC host their Canadian rivals in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinals. There’s no hiding the ‘Caps desire to lift the Voyageurs Cup, and TFC once again stand in their way.

But that’s not the only reason this match is a must-see. The Reds have gone from laughingstocks of MLS to potential powerhouse. They’ve brought in United States men’s national team star Michael Bradley and English national team striker Jermain Defoe.

A renewed TFC will pose a strong challenge. Can the ‘Caps fend off their Eastern nemesis and make it to the Canadian Championship finals for a fourth consecutive year?

Cascadia quest begins again

May 24 vs. Seattle Sounders FC

Whitecaps. Sounders. Cascadia Cup. When the schedule comes out every season, this is the first match marked on the calendar. This cross-border rivalry dates back to 1974, with some memorable moments along the way.

The Sounders have come on strong to start 2014. United States national team star Clint Dempsey – the highest paid player in MLS – has finally emerged from his slumber, leading the league with six goals in only three matches played.

Seattle will surely remember the 4-1 thumping that the Blue and White handed them at CenturyLink Field last year – thanks to a hat-trick from Kekuta Manneh. That win propelled Vancouver to a record fourth Cascadia Cup title. Will May 24 be the first step in defending their Pacific Northwest crown?

Je me souviens… toujours

June 25 vs. Montreal Impact

While there’s a certain amount of bad blood with each of the opponents on this list, perhaps no team draws the ire more from ‘Caps supporters than Montreal.

The irritation with the Impact stems from a coloured past, notably a quirk in the old Canadian Championship format that saw an already-eliminated Montreal side hand the 2009 title to TFC when the ‘Caps were in pole position.

In recent years, Vancouver have dominated in MLS action with a 2-0 season-opening win in the Impact’s first MLS match in 2012, and a 3-0 win in Quebec in 2013. But Montreal stung the ‘Caps in the Canadian championship finals last year, winning on away goals.

Emotions are sure to be high. Will the ‘Caps continue their MLS dominance over the Impact?

It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets ($294), half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.